Eupen, Belgium - 9 April 2013: BMW Motorrad France Team Thevent today announced that they will field Sebastien Gimbert, Sylvain Barrier and Karl Muggeridge aboard the #99 BMW S1000RR in this year's Bol d'Or, the opening round of the 2013 Endurance World Championship.

With regular team rider Damian Cudlin away on IDM duties for BMW on the same weekend as the Bol d'Or, the team are pleased to have secured a rider of Muggeridge's calibre as a replacement for the first race of the new season.

An experience Superbike campaigner, Muggeridge's arrival ensures that BMW Motorrad France Team Thevent will, once again, field one of the strongest rider line ups for the Bol d'Or, which takes place at Circuit de Nevers, Magny-Cours on the weekend of 20 - 21 April.

Another new recruit to BMW Motorrad France Team Thevent is AMA Superbike star Jake Zemke, who will make his Endurance World Championship debut at the Bol d'Or as the team's reserve rider.

Karl Muggeridge:"Since my last race back in September a lot of people have asked me if I was missing racing and, to be honest, I wasn't. But, when Michael Bartholemy called about riding for BMW in the Endurance World Championship there was a definite itch and, with all the preparation and logistics over the last week, it actually feels like I've never been away. I am thrilled and completely motivated for this new challenge and I honestly believe we have a great opportunity together to win. I've raced the Bol d'Or before, back in 2000, so I'm well aware of the challenge ahead. I'm in good shape and reasonably well prepared, so bring it on!"

Michael Bartholemy: Team Principal"Finding a rider of the right calibre to replace Damian for the opening race hasn't been easy, as a lot of riders are committed to domestic championships running on the same weekend as the Bol d'Or. We were lucky that Karl was available, because I think he will be a real asset to the team, strengthening an already strong rider line up. Jake will also add a lot to the team. He will be our reserve rider at the Bol d'Or, which will allow him to get a feel for the championship on his debut, but I expect he will make our starting line up in at least one race later in the season. In Sylvain Barrier we have an incredibly fast rider, while Sébastien and Karl bring with them vast experience as well as raw speed. This is a potent combination and, matched with our BMW S1000RR and Michelin tyres, I think we have a very competitive package with which to start the season."